Try to get some help with this. Have you got friends, a mother, sisters, neighbours who could sit with your baby so that you could get a couple of hours sleep at some point in each day untill you feel better?

Can you also try to get a babysitter on a regular basis so that you and your partner can have some time alone without worrying about the baby?

I think if you do these things, you will immediately begin to feel better.

You also need to find a way to have cuddles and love from your partner even if you don't feel like sex.

He too will feel better if there is some closeness – the chances are that he's feeling a bit shut out of this whole motherhood thing.

Some couples adopt a codeword for a situation where they want their partner to know that they'd love a hug even though they can't face full sex.

Perhaps the two of you could adopt such a scheme?

I also think you should confide in your health visitor. She will be used to other mums feeling as you do and should be a big help to you.

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